Author

Lucille McNamara

Lucille McNamara is a Daily Tidings reporter with 27 years of journalism experience, covering Oregon public safety, crime and courts, plus statewide policy and community impact stories including housing, education, health, and immigration. She previously worked at The Star.
Contact: [email protected]

Politics & Elections

Oregon Lawmakers Fail to Pass Transport Bill Causing 600 ODOT Layoffs and Road Closure Fears

Lucille McNamara Jun 29, 2025

Six hundred employees of the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) stand to lose their jobs because lawmakers failed to pass legislation that would allocate billions of dollars for critical upgrades and maintenance to the state’s…

News

Nicotine Pouches Will Be Taxed From September To Help Pay the Cost of Fighting Oregon Wildfires

Lucille McNamara Jun 29, 2025

Oregon nicotine pouch consumers will contribute to wildfire protection with taxes of an additional 65 cents on packs of 20 or less, and three cents on larger pouches, from the beginning of September. House Bill 3940 passed the House of…

Politics & Elections

Oregon Politicians Accused of Dodging Donation Caps as Campaign Finance Law Gets Delayed

Lucille McNamara Jun 28, 2025

Oregon lawmakers have failed to expedite the introduction of new legislation passed last year that limits campaign contributions to politicians and other public officials. The Delay is Criticized by the Secretary of State and…

News

Rural Oregon Gets $31 Million Lifeline for Services Lost to Federal Land Ownership

Lucille McNamara Jun 28, 2025

Oregon counties will receive more than $31 million through the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program to help support vital local services. The federal payments help offset the loss of property tax revenue in areas with tax-exempt…

Crime & Courts

A Confessed ‘Bad Mom’ in Oregon Charged After Toddler’s Feet Burned Wandering Alone on Blazing…

Lucille McNamara Jun 27, 2025

LANE COUNTY, Ore. — A confessed ‘bad mom’ from Creswell has been charged with child neglect after a neighbor found an unaccompanied toddler with burnt feet from walking on a hot pavement in 90 degree-heat. Ashley Canham admitted to a…

News

Oregon Lawmakers Split on Gun Reform as Rapid-Fire Ban Advances and Dealer Licensing Bill Gets…

Lucille McNamara Jun 27, 2025

While the Oregon House has passed legislation banning the use of rapid-fire activators on firearms, House Republicans voted down a bill that would have required gun dealers to obtain a license from the Department of Justice. This brings…

News

One in Five New Oregon Jobs Will Be in Healthcare as Sector Grows Faster Than Ever

Lucille McNamara Jun 27, 2025

Work opportunities in the private healthcare and social assistance sectors have grown by 92% over the last four years in Oregon, becoming a steadily growing job provider to bolster the state’s economy. Before the pandemic recession,…

News

Cliff Jump at Toketee Falls Ends in 40-Foot Fall and Dramatic Rescue of California Man

Lucille McNamara Jun 26, 2025

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. — It took a multi-agency task force more than five hours to rescue a young Californian who fell 40 feet onto rocks below while jumping from the top of a cliff into a pool at Toketee Falls in the Oregon Umpqua National…

News

Oregon Lawmakers Deal Blow to Low-Income Earners by Slashing Affordable Housing Budget

Lucille McNamara Jun 26, 2025

Low income earners have been dealt a bitter blow by Oregon lawmakers who have slashed millions from Governor Tina Kotek’s request for $700 million to finance about 7,000 new affordable rental units. $182 Million Allocated For…

Politics & Elections

Oregon Moves to Ban Power Companies From Raising Rates During Peak Winter Months

Lucille McNamara Jun 26, 2025

A new energy bill that bans utility companies from introducing increases during peak winter months has been given the nod by Oregon lawmakers and now heads to the Governor’s desk for signature. The Act Protects Consumers From…

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